A Sub-Mariner splash from the ’70s!
I’m already on record as being a fan of Namor’s groovy 1970s threads. I know some people prefer the Sub-Mariner’s Speedo-only look, and that’s fine, but give me that wocka-chicka Bronze Age outfit any day.
Pretty cool then that John Romita’s original design for those zippy threads is going up for sale through Heritage Auctions later this month.
Dig this:
Here’s Heritage’s description:
John Romita Sr. – Namor, the Sub-Mariner First New Costume Design Illustration Original Art (Marvel, 1973). After almost 40 years, it was time to say goodbye to skimpy green Speedos and hello to a flashy vest-and-pants combo, as Namor received the first major costume redesign in the character’s history! And when it came to brilliant Bronze Age redesigns, there was no one better than John Romita Sr., with the legendary art director and artist outfitting the Prince of Atlantis in regal black-and-gold separates that kept his chest mostly bare while adding glider wings to the vest and tailored openings in the pants for his iconic ankle wings.
In-story, the Sub-Mariner had lost the ability to breathe air, and this new costume (designed by rival Reed Richards) granted him the ability to do so. In reality, the change was part of Marvel’s early-1970s modernization of its classic characters under Romita’s artistic direction, ushering in a bold new visual era for Marvel’s first mutant monarch and many more.
Rendered in ink and crayon over graphite on vellum and matted to a 10″ x 16″ image area, the vellum displays toning, rippling, and creases measuring up to 2.5″. There are small tears along the edges, including a 1.5″ tear that extends into the ankle close-up and has been sealed on the reverse with tape. There is also a very small hole to the right of the image of Namor flying. The art is taped to the mat on the reverse. Romita signed the piece twice, including one inscription identifying it as the first sketch of the new costume. This historically significant piece is in Good condition.
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Bidding will open around June 22. For those keeping score at home, the dazzling duds debuted in August 1973’s Sub-Mariner #67:
Romita
Smashing!
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MORE
— 13 COVERS: The SUB-MARINER in His Groovy ’70s Threads. Click here.
— 13 SUB-MARINER COVERS Just For the Fun of It. Click here.
